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Why are the bank notes made from plastic?

The Bank of England are moving the notes to a polymer material because they are harder wearing than the existing cotton-paper versions and can include a whole raft of new security measures to prevent counterfeiting.

What will feature on the other side of the new £20 note?

As with every other British banknote, the Queen will be the main image on the new £20 note.

When did the £20 note first appear?

The first £20 note appeared in circulation in the United Kingdom back in 1725 and appeared much different to the purple note we have today.

The notes back then were hand-written and could be redeemed at the Bank of England for the same sum in either gold or coins, which is why notes still include the slogan: "I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of..."

The current cotton-paper note dates from 2007 and features the image of economist Adam Smith on the reverse.

The previous Edward Elgar £20 banknote was withdrawn in June 2010.

Will the new £20 be 'vegetarian'?

When the polymer £5 was first launched in the UK, it caused a wave of controversy when it was revealed that it contained traces of animal fat.

The Bank of England said that, after careful consideration, they intended to press ahead with the production of the new £10 note.

However, the new plastic £20 note could well be free of animal products because the bank is speaking to suppliers about a plant-based alternative.